Hanging shelf system and travel organizer for use in combination with a suitcase

ABSTRACT

A hanging shelf system and travel organizer is specifically adapted for use in combination with a suitcase wherein the shelf system is adapted to collapse to a size suitable for removable insertion within the suitcase. The shelf system is configurable between a vertically expanded configuration when deployed wherein a plurality of shelves and walls form storage compartments for receiving clothing and other travel items, and a vertically compact, stowed configuration wherein the travel shelf apparatus is compactly configured for insertion into a suitcase for travel. When the user reaches his/her destination the travel organizer may be removed from the suitcase and hung in a closet in the vertically expanded configuration with spaced shelves thereby providing the traveler with ready access to the packed articles while eliminating the need to unpack and repack.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/175,115, filed on May 4, 2009

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Officepatent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights rightswhatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for use with a suitcase,and more particularly to a travel organizer comprising a hanging shelfsystem that may be collapsed for transport within a suitcase and quicklyremoved and deployed in a hanging configuration to provide the travelerwith access to clothing and other travel items.

2. Description of Related Art

Luggage refers to various sizes and shapes of containers, suitcases, andtravel bags used to transport personal items during travel.Historically, luggage was recognized as a large bulky container such asa trunk or storage locker. As technology advanced and individualsaccelerated the rate of personal travel, such cumbersome containers werereplaced by lighter-weight suitcases and travel bags. Improvements insuitcase design allowed for ease of transportability and use. Althoughseveral styles of suitcases exist today, most luggage has been designedfor ease of use by the traveler. Popular models are rectangular-shaped,and provide an expandable handle and wheels that allow the traveler toroll, rather than carry, the luggage from one point to another.Generally, the interior of the suitcase features an empty volume ofspace which allows for maximizing the number of articles which may bestored. As such, the traveler must pack their individual items prior tothe trip and then unpack upon arrival at the destination. As travelersare increasingly mobile, it is often inconvenient to pack and unpack ateach destination. Accordingly, there exists a need for suitcaseaccessory devices designed to assist in the organization of contents.

The background art reveals a number of attempts directed to improvingsuitcase organization and storage. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,334,669,issued to Barker et al., discloses a rolling luggage systemincorporating an expandable and collapsible shelf-containing compartmentfor organization of stored items within the luggage during travel.

In addition, the background art reveals a number of references directedto closet organizers. With respect to closet organization, prior artreveals many attempts to best utilize space. Many objects of prior artare directed at hanging shelf systems and/or hanging closets. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,659, issued to Poon discloses a hangingshelf system with a plurality of shelves. U.S. Pat. No. 2,533,333,issued to Kitson, discloses a collapsible and portable wardrobefeaturing shelf and clothes-storage space, which may be rolled compactlyfor ease of transport. The wardrobe itself is portable, and securelylatches to itself to maintain closure during transport. U.S. Pat. No.2,244,887, issued to Manley, discloses a portable collapsible shelvedcabinet wherein the stored articles are covered to protect them againstoutside elements, whereby the device is easily folded into a compactunit for transport. U.S. Pat. No. 2,440,192, issued to Cowan, disclosesa hanging, dust-proof container for storing articles, which may becollapsed and transported for travel.

The references of the background art are primarily designed to organizeitems either within suitcase as disclosed by Barker, or in a hangingshelf system for permanent storage in a closet. The background artfails, however, to disclose a hangable travel organizer system designedfor removable insertion and transport within a conventional suitcase.Accordingly, there exists a need for a travel organization systemwhereby the organizational element is easily collapsible for insertionand transport within a suitcase, and, upon reaching the desireddestination, removable and hangable without requiring removal andreplacement of the contents.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the limitations and disadvantagespresent in the art by providing a hanging shelf system travel organizerthat is specifically adapted for use in combination with a suitcase. Atravel organizer in accordance with the present invention comprises ahanging shelf system adapted to collapse to a size suitable forinsertion within an article of luggage. The shelf system is configurablebetween a vertically expanded configuration when deployed wherein aplurality of shelves are disposed in vertically spaced relation forreceiving clothing and other travel items, and a vertically compact,stowed configuration wherein the travel shelf apparatus is compactlyconfigured for insertion into a suitcase for travel. When the userreaches his/her destination the travel organizer may be removed from thesuitcase and hung in a closet in the vertically expanded configurationwith spaced shelves thereby providing the traveler with ready access tothe packed articles while eliminating the need to unpack and repack.

A hanging shelf system in accordance with the present invention ispreferably provided with three storage compartments, each of whichincludes a supporting bottom surface configured to function as shelf.Each shelf preferably includes a lightweight yet sturdy rigid orsemi-rigid horizontally disposed panel to provide structural support.The remaining structure is comprised of flexible, preferably mesh,fabric thereby allowing the apparatus to be selectively configuredbetween a vertically expanded configuration wherein the shelves aremaximally spaced, and a vertically collapsed configuration wherein theshelves are minimally spaced. In contrast to prior art, no structuralsupport is provided. A pair of hooks is provided to allow theorganizational apparatus to be hung from a closet rod. When suspendedfrom the closet rod the travel organizer automatically deploys to thevertically extended configuration under the influence of gravity. Bysimply unhooking the entire apparatus from the closet rod, the user cancollapse the system into the luggage. As the sides and rear of theapparatus are formed of flexible fabric, the apparatus will compactitself into a small volume of space, i.e., the interior of luggage. Uponarrival at the destination, the user can open the luggage, and lift thesystem by grasping the hooks and hanging in a closet or over a doorframe. Because there is no need to empty the system prior to packing,all items remain organized in the shelving apparatus and ready for usein minimal time.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved travel organizer specifically designed for use with luggage.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an apparatuswhich is adaptable for ease of transport in standard luggage.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an apparatusadapted to allow for collapsibility.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide such anapparatus adapted to store clothes and other objects commonlytransported in luggage.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such anapparatus adapted for continued organization of items in the apparatusupon arrival, where packing and repacking of items is not required.

These and other objects are met by the present invention which willbecome more apparent from the accompanying drawing and the followingdetailed description of the drawings and preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a travel shelf system organizer inaccordance with the present invention illustrated in relation to asuitcase;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating the travel shelf systempartially received within the suitcase;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view thereof illustrating the travel shelfsystem fully received within the suitcase;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment travelshelf system having deployable and stowable support members; and

FIG. 5 is a front perspetive view thereof illustrating pivotal movementof the legs to the stowed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 depict a preferredembodiment of the present invention which comprises a shelf system andtravel organizer apparatus, generally referenced as 10, that isspecifically sized and shaped to fit within a suitcase 11. Suitcase 11preferably includes an openable top closure configurable between aclosed configuration and an open configuration. With the top in the openconfiguration the user is presented with access to the interior of thesuitcase via a top opening having a length and a width.

Travel organizer 10 preferably comprises a collapsible shelf systemsized for removable insertion within a suitcase. In a preferredembodiment, travel organizer 10 comprises an expandable and collapsiblemain body 12 having a top 12 a and a bottom 12 b. Main body 12preferably includes three (3) storage surfaces or shelves, referenced as14, 16, and 18 connected thereto and supported thereby. Shelf 14 forms abottom shelf connected in proximity to the bottom of main body 12. Shelf18 forms a top shelf connected below the top 12 a of main body 12. Shelf16 forms a middle shelf and is disposed between bottom shelf 14 and topshelf 18. Each shelf preferably includes a lightweight yet sturdy rigidor semi-rigid horizontally disposed panel to provide structural support.As used herein, the term “rigid” as applied to describe shelves 14, 16,and 18, shall mean capable of retaining a generally planar shape whilesupporting a modest load of the type associated with a stack of foldedclothing or other travel articles, namely a load between approximately1.0 lbs and 10.0 lbs. for embodiments on the invention intended forgeneral business or recreational travel. The term “rigid” should not beconstrued to mean absolutely rigid, e.g. without a degree of deflectionor bending under an applied load. The present invention, however, may beadapted to handle greater loads in embodiments intended for thetransport of other goods and/or industrial use. The present inventionmay further be configured with shelves that are generally flexible andnot rigid.

Main body 12 is preferably fabricated from flexible sheet-like material,such as natural or synthetic fabric, e.g. cotton, nylon, polyester etc.The fabric may be woven or non-woven, and may further havewater-resistant characteristics for maintaining the contents dry and/orfor keeping wet contents in one compartment from wetting contents inanother compartment. Main body 12 includes opposing side walls,referenced as 20 a and 20 b, and a rear wall 22. An important aspect ofthe invention involves forming side walls 20 a and 20 b, and rear wall22, out of mesh material to allow the user to visually inspect thecontents from the side or rear of main body 12, while further providingventilation.

Main body 12 is configurable between an expanded configuration whereinshelves 14, 16, and 18, are disposed in maximally spaced generallyparallel relation as illustrated in FIG. 1, and a collapsedconfiguration wherein shelves 14, 16, and 18, are disposed in minimally,substantially adjacent relation as illustrated in FIG. 3. When in theexpanded configuration, the vertical spacing between shelves ispreferably approximately 8.0 inches. In addition, side walls 20 a and 20b and rear wall 22 preferably project upward from top shelf 18approximately 6.0 inches when in the expanded configuration so as tocontain articles placed on top shelf 18. As should be apparent, sidewalls 20 a and 20 b and rear wall 22 function to support shelves 14, 16,and 18, while containing clothing and articles disposed thereon. Thedimensions set forth herein in connection with the preferred embodimentmay be altered (e.g. increased and/or decreased) within the scope of thepresent invention.

A pair of hooks 24 are attached to main body 12 along the top edges ofside panels 20 a and 20 b by straps, 25 as best seen in FIG. 1. Hooks 24and straps 25 are preferably configurable between a retractedconfiguration for hanging main body 12 from a closet rod as seen in FIG.1, to an extended configuration (shown in phantom) for hanging main body12 from a more elevated support structure, such as a door hook or doortop edge. Hooks 24 function in the retracted and extended configurationsto allow the main body 12 to be hung from a variety of supportingstructures disposed at various heights upon removal from the suitcase.When packed in a suitcase, hooks 24 and straps 25 may be tucked into theside (as shown in FIG. 3) or folded over the top.

Travel organizer and shelf system 10 is primarily intended for use as atravel organizer that allows the user to pack travel articles, such asclothing, therein with the travel organizer disposed in the expandedconfiguration and then drop the system into a suitcase wherein travelorganizer 10 is contained during travel as illustrated in sequence inFIGS. 1-3. In that regard, the user may pack shelf system 10, while mainbody 12 is hanging in a closet (or other support structure) from hooks24, in the expanded configuration. When hanging from hooks 24 in theexpanded configuration, main body 12 forms a first compartment boundedat the bottom by shelf 14, on the sides by side walls 20 a and 20 brespectively, at the rear by rear wall 22, and on the top by the bottomsurface of shelf 16. A second compartment is bounded at the bottom bythe top surface of shelf 16 on the sides by side walls 20 a and 20 brespectively, at the rear by rear wall 22, and on the top by the bottomsurface of shelf 18. Finally, a third open-top compartment is bounded atthe bottom by shelf 18 on opposing sides by side walls 20 a and 20 b,and at the rear by rear wall 22, and provides a surface upon whichfolded clothing or other items may be placed. The present invention thusprovides a travel organizer that allows a user to pack by simply placingclothing and the like on any one of the three shelves while the devicehangs in a closet in an expanded configuration, after which theorganizer may be placed in an article of luggage configured to a compactconfiguration for travel. Accordingly, a significant aspect of thepresent invention relates to sizing main body 12, and particularly thelength and width dimensions of shelves 14, 16, and 18, to fit within apiece of luggage, suitcase, or other suitable travel container.Accordingly, the present invention includes the combination of a luggageshelf system 10 with a correspondingly sized suitcase. Moreparticularly, the length and width dimensions of shelves 14, 16, and 18,are sized to be slightly less than the corresponding length and widthdimensions of the luggage intended for use therewith. Once the travelerreaches his or her destination the organizer is simply removed from theluggage and hung in a closet whereby the shelves vertically expand toallow for access to the packed items.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict an alternate embodiment, shelf system 10, whichincludes a collapsible support frame including left and right framemembers, referenced as 30 a and 30 b. Opposing left and right supportframe members 30 a and 30 b function to allow the system to be freestanding and/or to stand within the body of a suit case. Support framemembers 30 a and 30 b are each configurable between a deployedconfiguration and a stowed configuration as generally illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 illustrates a deployed configuration wherein framemembers 30 a and 30 b are disposed in generally vertically adjacentrelation with corresponding sides 20 a and 20 b to support main body 12in the expanded configuration. At least one strap member 32 is providedfor securing frame member 30 in the deployed configuration. In apreferred embodiment, strap member 32 includes an end adapted with hookand loop fastening by mating engagement with fastening element 33. FIG.4 depicts strap member 32 in art attached configuration, and FIG. 5depicts strap member 32 in a detached configuration. In accordance witha preferred embodiment, each support member 30 is pivotally connectedproximal the upper portion of the corresponding panel 20 to as to allowfor pivotal movement of each support member as illustrated in FIGS. 4and 5. As should now be apparent, shelf system 10 may be supported in afree standing manner by support frame members 30 as illustrated in FIG.4, or compacted to the compact configuration within a suitcase withframe members 30 folded over the top thereof for compact transportwithin the suitcase. As should be apparent, the alternate embodimentshelf system 10 depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 may also include the hooks 24and straps 25 as disclosed with the preferred embodiment.

The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what isconsidered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It isrecognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within thescope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to aperson skilled in the art.

1. A hanging shelf system for removable insertion within a suitcase,said hanging shelf system comprising: a main body including a rear walland opposing side walls generally extending between a top and a bottom;said rear wall and said opposing side walls formed of flexible material;a plurality of generally horizontal planar shelves connected to saidmain body between said opposing side walls, said plurality of shelvesdisposed in vertically spaced relation between the top and bottom ofsaid main body; a pair of hooks projecting upward from the top of saidmain body; said main body being configurable between an expandedconfiguration wherein said shelves are disposed in maximum verticallyspaced relation, and a collapsed configuration wherein said shelves aredisposed in minimum vertically space relation.
 2. A hanging shelf systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said flexible material comprises a mesh.3. A hanging shelf system according to claim 1, wherein said pluralityof horizontal planar shelves includes a bottom shelf disposed inproximity to the bottom of said main body; a top shelf disposed inspaced relation and below the top of said main body; and a middle shelfdisposed between said top and bottom shelves.
 4. A hanging shelf systemaccording to claim 1, wherein each of said pair of hooks is configurablebetween a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration.
 5. Ahanging shelf system according to claim 1, further including a straphaving opposing ends connected to the top of said main body, with saidpair of hooks connected to said strap.
 6. A hanging shelf system forremovable insertion within a suitcase opening defined by a length and awidth, said hanging shelf system comprising: a main body having a topand a bottom with a rear wall and opposing side walls generallyextending between the top and bottom; said rear wall and said opposingside walls formed of flexible mesh material; a plurality of generallyhorizontal planar shelves connected to said main body between saidopposing side walls; said plurality of shelves including a bottom shelfdisposed in proximity to the bottom of said main body, a top shelfdisposed in spaced relation and below the top of said main body, and amiddle shelf disposed between said top and bottom shelves; a straphaving opposing ends with one of said opposing ends connected to one ofsaid opposing side walls and the other opposing end connected to theother opposing side wall; a pair of hooks connected to said strap inspaced relation; said main body being configurable between an expandedconfiguration wherein said shelves are disposed in maximum verticallyspaced relation, and a collapsed configuration wherein said shelves aredisposed in minimum vertically space relation; said main body havinglength and width dimensions that are less than the length and widthdimensions of the suitcase, such that said main body may be removablyinserted into the suitcase through the suitcase opening and containedwithin the suitcase in the collapsed configuration.
 7. A hanging shelfsystem according to claim 6, further including a support frameconfigurable from a stowed configuration to a deployed configurationwherein said support frame supports said main body in said expandedconfiguration.
 8. In combination with a suitcase having a length, awidth, and a depth there is provided a hanging shelf system sized forremovable insertion within the suitcase, said hanging shelf systemcomprising: a main body having a top and a bottom with a rear wall andopposing side walls generally extending between the top and bottom; saidrear wall and said opposing side walls formed of flexible material; aplurality of generally horizontal planar shelves connected to said mainbody between said opposing side walls; said plurality of shelvesincluding a bottom shelf disposed in proximity to the bottom of saidmain body, a top shelf disposed in spaced relation and below the top ofsaid main body, and a middle shelf disposed in spaced relation betweensaid top and bottom shelves; a strap having opposing ends with one ofsaid opposing ends connected to one of said opposing side walls and theother opposing end connected to the other opposing side wall; a pair ofhooks connected to said strap in spaced relation; said main body beingconfigurable between an expanded configuration wherein said shelves aredisposed in maximum vertically spaced relation, and a collapsedconfiguration wherein said shelves are disposed in minimum verticallyspace relation; said main body having length and width dimensions thatare less than the length and width dimensions of the suitcase, such thatsaid main body may be removably inserted into the suitcase through thesuitcase opening and contained within the suitcase in the collapsedconfiguration.
 9. A hanging shelf system according to claim 8, whereinsaid flexible material comprises a mesh.
 10. A hanging shelf systemaccording to claim 8, further including a support frame configurablefrom a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration wherein saidsupport frame supports said main body in said expanded configuration.